Women who smoke cigarettes and consume alcohol face a significantly higher risk of contracting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), researchers at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) have warned.
The warning follows a study conducted at the institute titled Human Papillomavirus Molecular Detection and Genotyping Studies.
According to the researchers, the findings show a strong link between certain lifestyle habits and infection with high-risk strains of HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer globally.
Study Analysed 985 Participants
The Deputy Director of Research and Head of the Central Research Laboratory at NIMR, Mr Chika Onwuamah, said the study analysed behavioural and clinical data from 985 participants.
He revealed that women who smoke cigarettes have an odds ratio of 2.6 for HPV infection.
Women who consume alcohol have an odds ratio of 1.7.
Those who both smoke and drink alcohol have an even higher infection rate, with an odds ratio of 2.4 compared to women who do neither.
Mr Onwuamah explained that alcohol and smoking may indirectly increase exposure to HPV.
“We postulate that engaging in these lifestyles may increase risky sexual practices while intoxicated or high, leading to higher HPV infection rates,” he said.
High-Risk Groups Identified
The study also found that HPV infections were highest among pregnant women and female commercial sex workers.
Researchers reaffirmed that sexual activity, especially with multiple partners, remains a major risk factor for HPV infection.
They recommended that women who smoke and drink, particularly heavy consumers of strong alcoholic beverages, should be targeted for risk reduction programmes.
Cervical Cancer Remains a Major Threat
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer remains a major public health concern in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries.
Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women.
In Nigeria, it is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 15 to 44.
WHO estimates that about 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths were recorded globally in 2020. Nearly 90 per cent of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
Nigeria records over 12,000 new cervical cancer cases and close to 8,000 deaths annually. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, particularly types 16 and 18, accounts for the majority of cases.
22 Women Die Daily
Also speaking, NIMR’s Director of Research, Mr Oliver Ezechi, said an estimated 22 women die daily from cervical cancer in Nigeria, while about 33 women are diagnosed each day.
He noted that many women present at hospitals only at stage three or four, when the disease has already advanced.
“One of the major challenges we’ve faced is low screening uptake. Women without symptoms rarely come for screening,” he said.
Prevention Through Vaccination and Screening
Despite the alarming figures, the researchers stressed that cervical cancer is preventable.
Prevention strategies include vaccinating girls before exposure to HPV and screening women to detect early cellular changes.
Nigeria officially introduced the HPV vaccine into its routine immunisation schedule on 24 October 2023. The programme targets girls aged nine to 14.
Through continued campaigns, over 13 million adolescent girls have received HPV vaccine doses across all 36 states and the FCT by April 2025.
Mr Onwuamah explained that while HPV has over 200 related types, about 15 are considered high-risk because they can cause cancer.
He added that about 90 per cent of HPV infections clear naturally, especially in young people under 30. However, persistent infection can lead to cancer over time.
The researchers urged women to take advantage of vaccination and screening services, emphasising that early action remains the most effective defence against cervical cancer.
